About American Red Cross

Our Mission

Our History

Who we are and What we do

Copyright 1997, The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserve

Our History

Who we are & What we do

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Our Mission Statement

The Whitman County Chapter of the American Red Cross is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and promoting individual self-reliance and concern for others. It is committed to the prevention and relief of suffering wherever it is found, regardless of race, class, creed or national origin.

Copyright 1997, The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserve

Our Mission

Who we are & What we do

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A Brief History

The American Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian movement that has its roots in 19th century war-torn Europe.

In 1862, Henry Dunant, a young Swiss businessman, wrote A Memory of Solferino, in which he described what he had seen on the northern Italian battlefield in 1959 where 40,000 troops were killed or wounded and left without help. His concern touched many, leading to the birth in 1863 of the International Committee of the Red Cross (IRC). This first committee, which included dunant, adopted a red cross on a white background as the emblem, the reverse of the Swiss flag.

Dunant's ideas led to the Geneva Conventions, international treaties designed to protect these war victims: the wounded and sick on land (1864) and sea (1906), prisoners of war (1929), prisoners of war (1929), and civilians (1949). Since then, 165 governments have signed the Geneva Conventions, including additional revisions to protect victims of ALL armed conflict. Today, the all-Swiss IRC continues its protective role around the world.

The American Red Cross is one of more than 145 national societies that make up the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. (Governments recognized the crescent as a protective emblem in 1929.) In addition, the American Red Cross works closely with the nonmember Magen David Adom society of Israel. The League encourages its member societies to work together to relieve suffering from major natural disasters.

Together, the people who form the ranks of each Red Cross society, the ICRC, and the League symbolize compassion and help worldwide. Their programs are founded on the basic principles of Humanity, Impartiality (nondiscrimination toward those in need). Neutrality, Independence (freedom of action), Voluntary Service, Unity (only one society in each country), and Universality (societies have equal status and help each other). For more than 125 years, Red Cross workers have eased the pain of millions of people of all races, religions, and beliefs.

To read more about the history of the American Red Cross visit our national webpage.

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Copyright 1997, The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserve

Our Mission

Our History

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Pride in Who We Are
and What We Do

Who are we?

We are the American Red Cross, a volunteer, humanitarian organization. We are trained and dedicated people active in our communities.

What do we do?

Backed by the resources of the entire Red Cross family, locally, nationally, and internationally, we help our neighbors prevent, prepare for, and cope with emergencies.

How do we want people to think of us?

As the people to turn to for help before, during, and after emergencies.

We want people to think of the American Red Cross as a vital organization that they can feel proud supporting with both their time and their money.

How can we give people a clearer picture of the American Red Cross?

A good way to begin is through our own personal knowledge and commitment.

KNOWLEDGE. People often ask us basic questions about the American Red Cross.

All of us need to know that--

• The American Red Cross is an integral part of an international humanitarian movement. Through the Leage of Red Cross and Red Cross Crescent Socieites and the International Committee of the Red Cross, we help serve people worldwide during times of crises.
• The mission of the American Red Cross is to improve the quality of human life and enhance individual self-reliance and concern for others.
• We work toward our mission through many services: disaster, health and safety, blood, transportation, military, social, and international services.

COMMITMENT. Personal commitment is essential. As Red Cross people, we must be committed to the American Red Cross itself, the people we serve, and each other.

People can feel our commitment when we--

• Speak highly of the Red Cross, on and off the job.
• Make sure everyone who comes in contact with the Red Cross feels welcome.
• Listen and respond sensitvely to the people we serve.
• Provide quality services and programs.
• Make that extra effort that shows people we care.
• Help each other. Work together as a team.

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Copyright 1997, The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserve